Question: How long does a CPS or ACS investigation take place?
Answer: After allegations of child abuse, child neglect or maltreatment are made, CPS or ACS have up to 60 days to investigate the case to determine whether it is unfounded or substantiated.
Question: What is child abuse and/or child neglect?
Answer: Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Neglect involves a failing to provide basic needs, such as food, shelter or medical care. There are other grounds for intervention for other types of neglect.
Question: What is the substance abuse impact on CPS and/or ACS allegations?
Answer: If a parent or caregiver has a history of drug or alcohol abuse, CPS and ACS investigators will focus on this issue and make a determination whether the parent or caregiver has become unfit through drug or narcotic abuse.
Other Domestic Violence Impact CPS and ACS Investigations
Children should not be exposed to domestic violence. Even if a child is not harmed directly, living in a domestic violence situation can create an unsafe living condition for the child.
Question: How does mental illness effect CPS and ACS investigations:
Answer: A parent who has untreated mental health issues that impairs his or her ability to take care of the child, may cause that parent to be an unfit guardian.
Question: What are unsafe living conditions?
Answer: Homes that are unsanitary, have structural hazards or lack basic utilities may be deemed unsafe for a child.
Question: What criminal activity effects CPS and ACS investigations?
Answer: Households involved in criminal activity involving drugs, or other criminal purposes may put children at risk.
Question: What is considered lack of supervision by CPS and ACS?
Answer: Leaving a child unattended is failing to provide adequate supervision or adequate health care would be considered lack of supervision.
The law office of Schlissel DeCorpo LLP are parents’ advocates and defenders of CPS and ACS investigations can be reached at 516-561-6645, 718-350-2802, 631-319-8262, or 914-998-0082 or by e-mail at info@sdnylaw.com.
